About

Fostering evidence-based decision-making and leadership to solve world health problems

Robert Blendon, Division Director

Bridging the communication gap between researchers and the policymakers and non-profit leaders who influence public health reform can be difficult. Changing this dynamic is the goal of the Division – a major initiative launched in 2010 by Dean Julio Frenk.

Through fostering a culture of exchange, the Division seeks to break down barriers that keep knowledge from flowing where it’s most needed.

Developing new models of expertise to respond to 21st century health threats, the Division offers programs to enhance global and national leadership, to transform communication, and to improve emergency preparedeness and response.

Helping to translate science into policy is The Leadership Studio, a state-of-the-art webcasting and videoconferencing facility that can quickly convene expert researchers and policymakers to consider compelling health issues.

The Division is directed by Robert J. Blendon, Senior Associate Dean for Policy Translation and Leadership Development. Dr. Blendon is Professor of Health Policy and Political Analysis at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and holds a joint appointment at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Working together, today’s public health experts and policymakers share an innovative opportunity to bring evidence-based solutions to public health. In doing so, they possess the potential to improve millions of lives.